Apply for a Library Card

Your library card is your key to the resources and services of all New York Public Library locations in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. In addition to borrowing library materials, your card allows you to reserve a computer, download digital media, search hundreds of electronic databases, and more.

Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State is eligible to receive a New York Public Library card free of charge. Use of a New York Public Library card is non-transferrable, i.e., can only be used by the person whose name appears on the card.

New York City Residents (within the 5 boroughs), non-residents who work or attend school in NYC, and out of state visitors can submit a partial application online, then visit a library location to validate and pick up the card. To apply for a card please fill out this form.

New York State Residents (outside of NYC) can submit the application online, submit photo ID with proof of address to patronaccounts@nypl.org and a library card will be mailed within four weeks to the address you provide. To apply for a card please fill out this form.

All applicants will be required to show photo ID and proof of address. Please see our list of accepted documents.